MADISON COUNTY, Alabama - With the unofficial results from seven of 10 precinct boxes in, Phil Vandiver is pulling ahead in the Madison County Commission District 4 race. The first-time candidate has garnered about 59 percent of the total votes cast and counted so far.

Only three boxes have yet to report: Monrovia Church of Christ, Endeavor Elementary and the Bobo Volunteer Fire Department.

If the trend continues, Vandiver is certain to make a run-off election, if not win the race outright. The other candidates in the District 4 GOP primary are Todd Slyman, Ron Byrd and David Vess. The four are vying for the open commission seat representing Harvest, Monrovia, Toney and parts of west Huntsville.

Longtime Commissioner Dale Strong decided not to run for re-election, choosing instead to run for Madison County Commission Chairman.